How to apply for the scheme

If you wish to be kept informed about future schemes you can add your name to our email list by emailing us at:

Application timetable for 2012/13

• 33 AA2A schemes (list available here) will be recruiting artists for 2012/13. The schemes will begin in October 2012 and run until April 2013.
• Application Packs are ONLY available directly from the colleges. These should be available for next year's schemes from the end of July 2012 at the latest.
• Application deadlines vary and will be available on individual college pages as we receive that information. None are before 1st September, and most are before the end of September 2012.

Eligibility

• Artists must not have been engaged in any full, or part time study (including M.A. or PhD), which allowed access to workshops to work on their own practice for more than 4 hours a week, at an art college or similar institution in the last year
• Artists must have their own place of work and be able to work with minimal technical support (unless specific training is offered by the college). It may not be possible for Colleges to offer an ongoing work space or storage facilities.
• Artists who were on AA2A schemes run from 2009 to 2010 or before, can now reapply i.e. artists may only apply every three years

Application procedure

• Contact the college to get an information pack and application form. These may not be available before the end of July. Meanwhile, if you want to start planning your application, scroll down this page to find out what's needed.
• If applying to more than one college, applicants may accept only one place. Applicants may be offered a place and asked to make a decision before having received an offer from a second college.
• Relevant staff from the college and an independent panel member will meet to assess the suitability of the applications
• Selected artists will be invited to the college to discuss their proposal with relevant staff and technicians with the aim of negotiating an access agreement which suits both parties
• Firm offers will be made to those artists whose proposals can be accommodated

Selection criteria

• The project aims to ensure that all artists are encouraged to take part in the schemes regardless of age, gender, race, nationality or ethnic origin, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, class or educational background.
• The selection of artists will be on the basis of their commitment, need, ability to make best use of the opportunity. Also the suitability of their proposal and their professionalism as an artist
• Artists applying for the scheme will be expected to show evidence of at least *one years professional practice (not necessarily as a self employed person). *(see note 1 below)

NB : * exception to selection criteria : If you feel that you have a disability which has impeded your ability to fulfil this criteria then you can ask that this be disregarded. You will only be required to demonstrate that you have sustained a professional attitude and commitment to your work over the same period.

AA2A has recently recruited three Disability Champion organisations. ‘The Art House’, 'Shape' and 'Ardent Hare' (formerly 'Dada South') will help us promote AA2A to their membership and contacts. Although they cannot give information about individual schemes they will be able to tell you of our very real commitment to diversity. They will pass general enquires through to us or you can contact individual colleges directly (click here for list). If you have any difficulties contacting colleges please contact the AA2A National team at the email address at the top of the page.

The application form

These are only available from each individual colleges as they vary slightly, but all ask for the following information:-

• Do you have any previous experience or knowledge of art college/school environments?
• How would you try to ensure that students benefited from your presence? eg whether you would feel able to do formal or informal presentations of your work; record your project on the AA2A networking site or arrange studio visits.
• Which of the departments facilities / equipment do you think you would want to use during the access period and describe your level of experience using these types of equipment.
• Do you have any preferred days or hours of access? (There is an expectation that at least 50 of the 100 hours offered are used, principally to make work. This ensures students benefit from your presence)
• How would you try to ensure students benefitted from your presence?
• Describe the type of work / project you want to use the facilities for.
• Explain how the access will enable you to develop your work.
• Do you have any particular aims or outcomes you want to achieve?
• Provide up to 300 words summarising your answers to the three questions above. NB: This will be used on the website next to an image of your work
• Provide a C.V. outlining your professional experience and relevant qualifications
• Provide the name and address of a referee
• Send up to 10 (returnable) images and one (non-returnable) image of your work. Also a photograph of yourself which can be displayed, so that students can identify you

Colleges who are interested in hosting an AA2A scheme should contact the National Director Wendy Mason by emailing: